Democratic Candidates Blame Settlers for Deadly West Bank Attack

Democratic Party candidates sparked controversy over their comments on a deadly attack in the West Bank, describing it as a clash between settlers and Palestinians and blaming settlers and security policies for the violence. Yaya Pink referred to the death of Lt. Col. Yuval Ezra, highlighting his military service and stating he was killed in a "clash between settlers and Palestinians." Pink claimed a group of settlers went on an unauthorized hike intending to provoke Palestinians, leading to Ezra's death, which he called "a needless death" in a conflict between extremists.

Nimrod Shafir, also on the Democratic list, criticized the government's handling of Jewish terrorism and settlement policies, blaming security forces for failing to act decisively. He said the tragic incident could have been prevented if the IDF had taken stronger measures against settler violence. Shafir called on the IDF to stop the escalation, end the open policy toward annexation, and emphasized the army's role in protecting all West Bank residents rather than advancing a "messianic and dangerous vision." He mentioned Lt. Col. Yuval Ezra, Benyahu Malt, and the four Palestinians killed in the incident, urging the military to maintain security for everyone in the area.